BANGKOK, July 10 (TNA) – Thailand’s new cabinet line-up has
been officially announced, with Gen Prayut Chan-o-cha being both prime minister
and defence minister.
Gen Prayut nominated the line-up after he was sworn in as
the 29th Prime Minister on June 12.
Following long negotiation among the 19-party coalition
bloc, Prayut earlier this month submitted his nomination of 36 Cabinet
ministers for HM the King’s endorsement. The royal command appointing the new Cabinet
was issued and published in the Royal Gazette on Wednesday.
Prayut’s current deputies — Prawit Wongsuwan, Somkid
Jatusripitak and Wissanu Krua-ngam – retain their positions.
Democrat Party leader Jurin Laksanavisit is Deputy Prime
Minister and Commerce Minister. The post
of Agriculture Minister, the most contended for during the coalition formation,
goes to Democrat Secretary Chalermchai Sri-on.
Bhumjaithai Party leader Anutin Charnveerakul is Deputy
Prime Minister and Public Health Minister.
Pro-junta Palang Pracharath Party leader Uttama Savanayana
is Finance Minister while Don Pramudwinai remains Foreign Minister under the
party’s banner.
The ministers will officially assume the posts after being
sworn in, then, they will deliver a policy announcement to Parliament.(TNA)
